Platinum Blue Angelfish 4.5cm

Platinum Blue Angelfish
 

Platinum Blue Angelfish has long been one of the most popular angelfish colour strains in the aquarium hobby. Their pearly white colour is a stunning contrast in any aquarium and one would think that this fish can’t get any better but that’s where the platinum blue angelfish comes in. This strain derived through captive breeding keeps all the best aspects of the platinum white angelfish but sporting a metallic light blue look. This is a relatively new strain as well meaning there is a lot of room for breeders to experiment and develop the blue so it is similar to that of a neon blue acara or discus.

The name for these fish is pretty self-explanatory as they have a solid blue colour. This is a strain likely derived from Paraiba angelfish that has been selectively bred to not have any black blotches through the body. The blue colour can, however, be developed further since Paraiba angels tend to be more of a blue-green colour. Whilst platinum white angelfish have the pearl scale genes, the platinum blues have the standard angelfish scale patterning which offers more of a matte, metallic colour which is unique to single, solid colour angelfish.

Trying to find the males and females in not only the platinum blue angel but angelfish, in general, is somewhat difficult when they are small, however dominant males will develop a small nuchal hump on their head. One can be 100% certain only when a breeding pair is formed. The best way to ensure this happens is to start with a small group of 5-6 fish and let them pair off naturally. Platinum blue angelfish are not found in the wild as they are a captive-bred and man-made colour variation however the angelfish, in general, is from South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Platinum Blue Angelfish

The Platinum Blue Angelfish is a colour variation of the common scalare angelfish species meaning it has the same aquarium needs as any other angelfish variety. At full adult size, they reach around 15 cm long and a decent 20 cm tall, because of this they would need to be kept in a tank that is at least 100 litres.

Platinum Blue Angelfish are not exactly a solitary species and should be kept in mated pairs or shoals. However they will need space as they can be territorial at times, so having a good footprint in the aquarium is always best. A sand or gravel substrate is perfectly fine, but a well-planted aquarium with lots of branching driftwood and rock will be greatly appreciated by these angelfish.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Platinum Blue Angelfish is fairly peaceful with aggression only ever coming out during breeding males however they may eat a small fish fry and shrimp. With adequate space, these fish will get along with a wide range of community fish. It has however been noted that angelfish can be aggressive against fish species that look similar.

Usually Compatible

Other angelfish, tetras, gouramis, corydoras, angelfish, barbs dwarf cichlids such as rams, and large peaceful cichlids such as Uaru or Severums.

Sometime Compatible

Semi-aggressive or territorial cichlids like fire mouths, convicts cichlids, and similar species.

Rarely Compatible

large aggressive species such as African cichlids, Oscars, and Jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Platinum Blue Angelfish

Angelfish in general are an easy species to feed that will take to a wide range of aquarium foods like pellets or flakes. They are naturally omnivores that feed off plant matter like algae, small insects, and crustaceans. This means a well-balanced aquarium food that has good protein and green content would be best.